Tim Steidten ready to seal double West Ham United transfer for Yukinari Sugawara and Young-Woo Seol
West Ham are “actively pursuing” the transfers of AZ Alkmaar right-back Yukinari Sugawara and Ulsan HD’s Young-Woo Seol in January, according to FootballTransfers.
The website reported [22 January] that Tim Steidten is currently scouting games at the AFC Asian Cup, keeping tabs on the South Korean and Japanese internationals.
It is understood that West Ham are very keen on entering the Asian transfer market, seeing it as a significant area for future recruitment, and Steidten believes the deals can be completed before the transfer window closes.
Adding depth
Sugawara is an incredible talent, having made 155 appearances for AZ by the age of 23 and becoming a consistent performer for Japan on the international stage.
With Ben Johnson linked with a move away from London Stadium, David Moyes will need to bring in a replacement ahead of a busy schedule in the second half of the current campaign, aiming for a top-four finish in the Premier League and Europa League success.
Vladimir Coufal will need a back-up to push him, and after picking up a red card against Sheffield United, it is evident that West Ham need another right-back in the squad, especially if Johnson leaves.
As for Young-Woo, there is much less known about the player. But having only played in South Korea with Ulsan HD, making 141 appearances since 2019, he poses more of a risk than Sugawara. However, his price tag is likely to be minute in comparison.
The 25-year-old, who is capable of deputising at left-back or right-back, completed 90 minutes in each of South Korea’s opening group-stage matches at the Asian Cup, helping his side to a win over Bahrain and a comeback draw against Jordan.
In other West Ham news, an anonymous source has shared a “problem” the Hammers face with two players likely on their way out.
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